Apple acquires AI data-management firm Ascend.io

The deal closed on Jun 30, according to the European Union's public list of significant acquisitions. Apple is listed as getting the right to hire certain employees and a non-exclusive licence to Ascend's intellectual property.

Deals listed the same way

• Huxe: automated podcast creation
• Samplab: audio editing
• Ascend.io: company data management

The listing follows the pattern of Apple's recent deals for automated-podcast firm Huxe and audio-editing firm Samplab.

Apple bought Ascend to improve its own internal data management, not for a consumer product. Ascend's former owner has posted a notice that the company is winding down, without mentioning Apple.